MUMBAI: Son of a renowned musician and member of three bands, Sylvester Pradeep, could not handle the pressure of ‘The Stage’, eventually leading to his elimination from the show. Now back to making music in Bengaluru, he explained that despite his best efforts, the competition got to him and he could see his departure from the Colors Infinity singing reality show coming closer with every reminder from the judges.

“There were fantastic singers on the show and the pressure got to me,” he confessed. And although he failed to win the musical battle on ‘The Stage’ he did manage to preserve a few experiences for life. “I learnt to hold my ground. I also learnt that I will have to work twice as hard as other musicians, particularly as an ‘English’ singing musician. For, although western music listeners are increasing, they are few,” stated the singer who comes from a musical lineage.

His father was a musician, and composed 500 songs during his time, which is why Pradeep was always inclined towards music. “I was exposed to all his material since childhood. But, it was only after growing up I realised that music would be my career. However, my primary inspiration did come from my father.”

The singer, who plays in three bands- Solder (Alt Folk), The Windozes (Blues) and The Sylvester Trio (experimental), started his journey as an instrumentalist and is currently working on material for his upcoming album, which will be a collaborative effort of all his bands. And while he is busy working on independent music, he also wants to foray into Bollywood. “Being a singer was not my primary focus earlier, but things have changed post ‘The Stage’. Now I want to be a singer-songwriter. So, I would like to work for Bollywood as well,” he added.

Lastly, he revealed that the one man he completely looks up to is music composer and guitarist, Ehsaan Noorani. Pradeep, who also happens to be a guitarist, shares a guitar connect with Noorani. “I am deeply fond of Ehsaan Sir. He is one person whom I could relate to on ‘The Stage’. He is a fantastic guitar player,” said he.